Headline: All-NBA Selections Heat Up: Who Makes the Cut for 2024-25?

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Who should earn a spot on the All-NBA teams for the upcoming 2024-25 season?

It’s no surprise that after embracing the “positionless” structure for these teams (a concept I resisted last year), my First Team ends up resembling what I would have chosen under a traditional model of two guards, two forwards, and one center. Essentially, I transferred my Kia MVP selections into these positions, beginning with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 1 and concluding with Donovan Mitchell at No. 5.

The reasoning behind my choice of the Oklahoma City scorer over perhaps the league’s top player was straightforward: a staggering 68 wins compared to just 50. This was too significant to overlook. It reminded me of the 2010-11 season when LeBron James was widely regarded as the top player, yet Derrick Rose of the Bulls won the MVP, leading Chicago to a remarkable 21-win improvement from the previous year.

As expected, my Second and Third Teams were shaped by a blend of individual stats, win-loss records, the strength of supporting teammates, and various other factors that are considered (or overlooked) when determining the 6th through 15th “best” players. The hardest players I had to exclude were Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyrese Haliburton.

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To what extent should team success influence the selection of All-NBA teams? This consideration played a crucial role in finalizing my choices for all three teams.

Donovan Mitchell filled out my First Team by consistently guiding the top team in the Eastern Conference throughout the season, often sacrificing his individual stats for the benefit of the team. Evan Mobley might be the least prolific scorer among my selections, but his defensive prowess, along with a career-best offensive performance, significantly propelled the Cavaliers this season.

Before finalizing my last pick, I delved into the record books. Oklahoma City became the seventh team in history to achieve 68 wins in a season. What did the previous six teams have in common? They each featured at least two players who were named to the All-NBA teams, even in the days when only two teams existed before the 1988-89 season.

History seems to be repeating with Jalen Williams claiming the final position on my ballot.

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This task proved less challenging than in previous years. The primary suspense on the first team revolves around the fifth selection—four are locked in. That final slot goes to a 40-year-old. LeBron James performed admirably for a team undergoing changes, effectively collaborating with Anthony Davis and, post a significant mid-season trade, Luka Dončić. He is a key factor in the Lakers finishing third in the Western Conference.

As for the remaining selections, two players overcame slow starts. Stephen Curry had a strong finish for a Warriors team that also surged, while Tyrese Haliburton was quiet until after the holidays and then became impactful. Had it not been for James, Anthony Edwards or Cade Cunningham could have made the First Team.

These All-NBA choices are often highlighted by the enduring performances of three former Kia MVPs: James, Curry, and James Harden.

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The selection process was straightforward for the first four names: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Jayson Tatum. After that, several candidates emerged for the fifth slot on the First Team and nearly 20 for the remaining 10 positions.

Evan Mobley secured a First Team spot on my ballot due to his defensive skills, versatility, and efficiency… and because the best team in the East performed well when he was on the court. Once this choice was finalized, selecting the Second Team became relatively uncomplicated. While Karl-Anthony Towns may not appear as a Second Team pick on many ballots, he delivered an outstanding offensive season.

There were several difficult omissions, especially Pascal Siakam, who may not receive much recognition elsewhere. He merits just as much consideration as Tyrese Haliburton for his significant contribution to the Pacers’ status as one of the most improved defensive teams this season.

First Team selections:

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